On November 24, 2021, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529, was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). This new variant was first detected in specimens collected in Botswana in South Africa.
Two days later, WHO named the B.1.1.529 Omicron and classified it as a Variant of Concern (VOC), soon after the new strain had spread to many parts of the world causing much anxiety on its complex mutation and fear that it could be a dangerous variant.
While research and studies are being conducted urgently on identifying the severity Omicron can inflict on people, CDC has released some information that can help us understand the virus and what we can do to protect ourselves.
Infection and Spread
- How easily does Omicron spread? The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
- Will Omicron cause more severe illness? More data are needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.
- Will vaccines work against Omicron? Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
- Will treatments work against Omicron? Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
Until scientists come up with conclusive evidence on the make-up of the virus and its level of harm, Malaysians are advised to be cautious, wear masks in public, self-tests when possible, vaccinate and get booster shots when necessary.
